How to Stop Sausages from Screaming and Bursting in the Microwave

Microwaves rank among the most practical and essential tools in any kitchen, capable of cooking or reheating nearly any food item. However, those who have attempted to cook sausages in a microwave have likely experienced a common and unpleasant phenomenon: a piercing "scream" as the sausage heats up, sometimes culminating in a messy explosion. Luckily, preventing this issue is both simple and quick.

The key is to pierce or cut one or more small holes in the sausage before microwaving. This straightforward method works because of how microwaves heat food. Microwaves generate electromagnetic waves that penetrate the sausage and are absorbed by the water molecules inside it. As these molecules heat, they warm or cook the surrounding food. Yet, if the water inside is heated excessively, it converts into steam. This poses a significant problem for foods such as apples, potatoes, squash, and notably, sausages. When left intact, the steam cannot escape the sausage's sealed casing, causing pressure to build up. Any steam that does escape is forced through tiny holes or tears at high speed, producing the infamous whistling or screaming noise—or, worse, causing the sausage casing to rupture violently, splattering grease and juices inside your microwave.

By puncturing or slicing the sausage into smaller portions, you release this pressure and allow the sausage to cook properly.

How to achieve perfectly microwaved sausage

Seasoned cooks might find this advice surprising since it is often suggested not to pierce sausages during cooking, as this can lead to excessive juice loss and a dry, less enjoyable final product. While this is sometimes true, making a small hole to let steam escape is a necessary compromise when using a microwave. Without it, you risk messy cleanups or the casing bursting.

Another important factor to consider is how you use your microwave when cooking or reheating sausage. One common mistake is operating the microwave at its highest power setting exclusively. Using a lower power level extends the cooking time, allowing heat to penetrate the sausage’s interior evenly without overcooking the exterior or triggering a steam explosion accompanied by the screaming sound.